Uçan Süpürge was born in 1996 from a need that centered collaboration and solidarity, trusting in the accumulated experience of the women’s movement. While the institutionalization of women’s organizations in Turkey gained momentum in the 1990s, the momentum created by the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women also paved our way. From the very first day, we adopted the approach of establishing individual contact with people and groups in the field to build collective wisdom. Today, our roots still lie in that solidarity.
Early Years: Building Bridges
In 1997, during a period when communication between women’s organizations was weak, we launched “Regional Meetings”; these meetings grew over the years through projects such as “Building Bridges,” “First Step,” “From Paths to Roads,” “Crossroads,” and “Under the Same Roof.” The goal was always the same: to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and produce together.
Amplifying our Voice
We opened visibility spaces through local-national radio programs, “Uçan Haber” magazine, TV content such as “Kedi Dili” and “The Missing Face of the Tale,” and consultancy work for TRT; we established the “Local Women Reporters Network” and provided tools to civil society through reference publications such as the Directory of Women’s Organizations in Turkey.
Fighting Early and Forced Marriages
Since 2003, we have conducted comprehensive work to bring child, early, and forced marriages (CEFM) to the agenda of the state and civil society; we pioneered the establishment of the national platform “No to Child Brides.” This line was strengthened through advocacy activities that contributed to the formation of the relevant subcommittee in KEFEK and international experience sharing.
Projects Breaking Prejudices
In 2009, with “My Madame Curie,” we opened a line that expanded the horizons of girls and questioned stereotypes about professions; we highlighted role models that inspire young people in their education and career planning.
Side by Side with Universities
Since its establishment, Uçan Süpürge has built close relationships with universities; we continue to organize events, workshops, and cultural-artistic gatherings focused on gender equality with our representatives on many campuses.
Starting a First: Women’s Film Festival
In 1998, we launched Turkey’s first women’s film festival. The Uçan Süpürge International Women’s Film Festival became an annual meeting space that makes the work of women directors visible, enriched with panels, talks, and exhibitions. In 2017, we celebrated our 20th anniversary in 20 provinces with 20 women’s organizations; in 2019, we hosted festival directors from five continents and broke our own record with 1,721 applications. In 2020, under pandemic conditions, we reached 349,000 viewers from 109 countries with the festival organized online under the theme #stayhome. In 2021, we held our 24th festival in hybrid mode under the theme “Breaking Out of Limbo.”
The tradition continues: in 2024, we celebrated our 27th anniversary with an opening ceremony and comprehensive program in Ankara; in 2025, our 28th festival brought together 44 films from 29 countries with audiences under the slogan “Unique Women, Unique Stories.”
Today and Tomorrow
Today, Uçan Süpürge continues to produce along the axes of research, advocacy, education, and culture-arts for women’s human rights and gender equality with hundreds of volunteers, university representatives, and stakeholders from all corners of the country. Our path has not changed: to create lasting change for a world where women are empowered, equal, and just.
